He said: "This one is for Anthoine. It feels good but difficult to enjoy in a weekend like this."

Hubert's car crashed heavily into the barriers and sprung back on to the race track when it was struck by Juan Manuel Correa, who was travelling behind and had no chance of swerving.

Correa's car ripped through Hubert's Arden, splitting it into two pieces.

Stewards stopped the race immediately and then cancelled it while marshals and medics raced to the scene.

Hubert, who won the GP3 championship last season and had already won two Grands Prix this year, was part of the Renault Academy.

A statement from the sport's governing body said: "The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) regrets to advise that a serious incident involving cars 12, 19 and 20 occurred at 17:07 on 31/08/19 as a part of the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race at Spa-Francorchamps, round 17 of the season.

"The scene was immediately attended by emergency and medical crews, and all drivers were taken to the medical centre.

'THIS IS DEVASTATING'

"As a result of the incident, the FIA regrets to inform that the driver of car #19, Antoine Hubert, succumbed to his injuries, and passed away at 18:35."

Sky News reported that Frenchman Giuliano Alesi was also involved but escaped unhurt.

Sky reported that the Federation added: "The driver of car #20 Giuliano Alesi (FRA) was checked and declared fit at the medical centre.

"The FIA is providing support to the event organisers and the relevant authorities, and has commenced an investigation into the incident."

Ecuadorian-born American star Correa, an Alfa Romeo development driver, was said to be in a stable condition in a nearby hospital.

The TV broadcast showing the race ended abruptly following the crash.

Mick Schumacher, son of racing legend Michael, was involved in a minor collision earlier in the race at the first corner but escaped unhurt.

Hubert is the first driver to die in a Grand Prix since Jules Bianchi in Japan in 2014.

Bianchi, who was also French, crashed at Suzuka and died nine months later in a hospital in Nice.

F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram: "This is devastating. God rest your soul Anthoine. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today."

'REST IN PEACE CHAMPION'

The Brit, who is usually so reliable, span twice in the German GP while he inexplicably crashed during the final practice at Spa, meaning his team had to race against time to repair his car for qualifying.

Out of sorts Hamilton then almost crashed into his own teammate in a crazy qualifying that was stopped twice due to engine fires.

He said: "I am only human. My track record has been pretty good but it sometimes happens.
"It is frustrating and never feels good whether you are in your first or 13th year but you can always learn from it.

"There is always a silver lining, an opportunity to pick yourself up and to rebuild.